Local government resilience in the face of Russian aggression: the case of Ukraine

Abstract

The collapse of a state during crises, such as large-scale wars, demands effective preventive measures. The 2014 military aggression by Russia in Ukraine triggered profound changes and emphasized the importance of strategic responses. So, the cut off of Russian aggression was facilitated by the coordinated interaction of state authorities and local government and the increased autonomy of local government at the grassroots level, as a result of the successful decentralization reform in Ukraine. After the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, the local government played a vital role in sustaining Ukrainian cities and villages. This paper examines local government operations in active conflict zones and during occupation, assessing their preparedness for military actions. It delves into the unique challenges faced and necessary post-war adjustments. Through in-depth interviews in the war-affected Kharkiv region and secondary sources, we illuminate crisis management within local government during wartime in Ukraine. Therefore, this study highlights the crucial role of local government bodies in addressing the issues of local residents during a wartime crisis.